Technology: X-ray laser aimed at chip makers

THE PENTAGON's main research agency is investing $3.2 million (about Pounds sterling 1.9 million) in a laser system that will generate X-rays for use in the manufacture of the next generation of memory chips. Next year, Hampshire Instruments of Rochester, New York, expects to offer machines based on the technology for about $3.5 million each.

Use of X-rays would allow chip makers to fabricate integrated circuits with lines only 0.25 micrometres wide, half the size possible with current techniques using ultraviolet light. X-ray lithography techniques should raise the capacity of dynamic random-access memories (DRAMs) from 4 million bits per chip to 64 or 256 million bits.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is investing in the technology 'because it is important for national defence technologies, such as radar, navigation and communications', says programme manager David Patterson.

The system is not a true X-ray laser, but produces laser-like bursts of ...

To continue reading this article, subscribe to receive access to all of newscientist.com, including 20 years of archive content.

To continue reading this article, log in or subscribe to New Scientist

App + web

Web

Smartphone

Tablet

$25.99 - Save 65%

12 issues for $2.17 per issue

with continuous service

Print + web

Print

Web

$28.99 - Save 61%

12 issues for $2.42 per issue

with continuous service

Print + app + web

Print

Web

Smartphone

Tablet

$39.99 - Save 73%

12 issues for $3.33 per issue

with continuous service

Web

Web only

$49.99

30 day web pass

Prices may vary according to delivery country and associated local taxes.